Staff Pick

Horses don't volunteer to go to war. They don't understand politics or borders. They hate the noise and smells and pain. But they don't get to choose. Joey becomes a cavalry horse in WWI when Albert's father sells him to the army. War is not healthy for horses or people.Recommended by Kathy H, Powell's Books at PDX

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

A powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero's journey--now available in paperback!

In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

About the Author

Michael Morpurgo, former Children's Laureate of Britain, is the author of War Horse, called Superb" by the New York Times Book Review, and now a major motion picture. His other prize-winning books include Kensuke's Kingdom, Private Peaceful, and The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips. Michael lives in Devon, England, with his wife, Clare. Together, they founded the charity Farms for City Children, which gives children from urban areas an opportunity to spend a week working on a farm in the countryside. You can find out more about him and his books at michaelmorpurgo.org.

What Our Readers Are Saying

Average customer rating based on 1 comment:

Ted Washburne, November 12, 2014 (view all comments by Ted Washburne)
This was not short book but I read it in just a couple days (I am a slow reader). To put it overly simply it is about a boy who loves a horse/or i should say it is about a horse that loves a boy and would do anything to get back to him. The horse is taken from the boy and the farm he lives on and placed into the hands of the war machine, where he is ridden into battle and has any number of officers killed on his back until he reaches the hands of a particularly caring man who insisted on the horses rehabilitation when injured and then tries to return him to the boy. It is frightening, unsettling, and heart warming, individually and all at once. so much so that it is hard to put down! I loved it and was actually sorry to have it end. I did put it down with a msile in my heart. This is not a children's book but it would be fine for the early teen ager to the very old who just want a good read! Thank you Michael Morpurgo.

Horses don't volunteer to go to war. They don't understand politics or borders. They hate the noise and smells and pain. But they don't get to choose. Joey becomes a cavalry horse in WWI when Albert's father sells him to the army. War is not healthy for horses or people.

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